Environmental Protection Fisheries Biologist 2 (Marine) (35 Hour)

The State of Connecticut Department of Agriculture is responsible for fostering a healthy economic, environmental and social climate for agriculture by developing, promoting and regulating agricultural businesses; protecting agricultural and aquacultural resources; enforcing laws pertaining to domestic animals; and promoting an understanding among the state's citizens of the diversity of Connecticut agriculture, its cultural heritage and its contribution to the state's economy.

The Bureau of Aquaculture, with lab facilities in Milford, is tasked with overseeing marine and inland aquaculture related production activities.

NOTE: At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation such as performance reviews, attendance, supervisory references, etc., to support their candidacy for this position.

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Irena Baj-Wright at Irena.Baj-Wright@ct.gov, (860)713-5391.

In order to be considered for this job opening, you must be a current employee of the Department of Agriculture, who has permanent state status, and meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening.  You must specify your qualifications on your application. 

Please ensure that your application is complete and have included a resume within the "Resume Tab" of your application.

In the Departments of Energy and Environmental Protection and Agriculture this class is accountable for the most complex tasks in fisheries management, research and conservation.

As the Bureau's EP Fisheries Biologist 2 (Marine), you will be responsible for: plans unit workflow and determines priorities; schedules, assigns, oversees and reviews work; establishes and maintains unit procedures; provides staff training and assistance; conducts complex or specialized as well as routine microbiological and molecular analysis as necessary to ensure prompt processing of specimens performs routine as well as new and unusual complex or difficult examinations and analyses utilizing sophisticated instrumentation on shellfish specimens and waters to identify bacteriological agents or locate evidence indicative of presence or absence of Fecal contamination; makes microscopic, cultural, performs bacteriological and biochemical analyses of water, wastewater, sewage effluent and sludge, seawater, seafood, dairy products and other foods; performs microbiological and other biochemical assays for inborn errors of metabolism; performs DNA amplification tests to detect various viral and bacterial agents; provides testing such as culture, prepares reagents; utilizes universal laboratory precautions; utilizes computers to operate and maintain instrumentation, quality assurance data and test results; prepares reports and maintains records of investigations; may testify in court; Performs complex related duties within the parenthetical area; conducts studies of life history, habits and rate of exploitation of shellfish estimates shellfish stock population dynamics;; analyzes/interprets statistical data for presentation; ; conducts environmental and habitat assessments; determines effect of recreational and commercial shellfishing on various species; recommends regulation of commercial shellfisheries; serves as expert witness for state; acts as custodian of the Aquaculture laboratory and research facilities; may assist in educational programs of agency including providing technical assistance to the public; may prepare shellfishery management plans and reports; may give public presentations and represent the department at technical meetings; performs related duties as required.

Considerable knowledge of principles and methods of fisheries management; considerable knowledge of environmental and human factors involved in production, management and harvesting of stocks of marine and anadromous fishes and Crustacea; interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; ability to identify marine flora and fauna; ability to design and conduct fishery surveys and oceanographic studies; ability to apply sound statistical procedures; ability to utilize computer software.

Seven (7) years of experience in fisheries management.

Fisheries management is defined as work requiring a knowledge of scientific fields such as biology, ichthyology, fisheries science, fish population dynamics, aquatic ecology, limnology, fish taxonomy, fishery statistics, aquatic entomology, aquatic phycology and oceanography.

1. College training in fisheries management as defined may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
2. A Master's degree in fisheries management as defined may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

1. Incumbents in this class must be willing to accept assignment or transfer to any area of the State.
2. Incumbents may be required to live on a vessel for extended periods of time.
3. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
4. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.

1. Incumbents in this class must have adequate physical strength, stamina, physical agility and visual and auditory acuity, and must maintain such physical fitness as to be able to perform the duties.
2. Incumbents in this class must be able to swim.
3. Appropriate examinations will be required.

Incumbents in this class may be exposed to some danger of injury or physical harm from environmental conditions and to a moderate degree of discomfort from exposure to year round weather conditions.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages the application of women, minorities and all protected classes.